Hydraulic Filtration Media Technology

With the 2021 industry ratification of ISO 23369, lab testing for hydraulic filtration more closely replicates the varying, or “cyclic” flow rates of real-world filter working conditions. This evolution of hydraulic filtration test standards has opened the door for new technology solutions. Alpha-Web media is that new technology solution. The fine-fiber layer of Alpha-Web media enables high filtration efficiency during cyclic flow conditions while minimizing dynamic events where particles are dislodged as the fluid flow changes. Alpha-Web delivers transformational improvement in hydraulic equipment protection.

Many of today’s hydraulic systems and fluids require enhanced chemicals or thermal compatibilities, like fire resistance, biodegradability, and electrical insulating ability. Donaldson high-performance DT synthetic media can be a highly effective solution for many of these challenges and is ideal for use with phosphate ester and water-glycol fluids.

DT synthetic media grades use a blend of borosilicate glass fiber whose matrix is bonded together with an epoxy-based resin. Donaldson filter media scientists have found that this approach offers a highly effective solution for chemical resistance for a broad array of hydraulic applications.

Donaldson hydraulic filters with Synteq XP media offer extremely high levels of contaminant capture. This groundbreaking filter media takes hydraulic filtration performance to a higher level by providing enhanced system component protection options. These options include higher efficiency contaminant capture for optimal protection or extended filter life (up to three times that of traditional filter media). Synteq XP media also offers pressure drop that is consistently lower than most competitors, which allows more oil flow during cold start, with reduced reliance on bypass. It also results in greater system efficiency, less energy loss, and extended filter life.

Synteq media with predictable filtration efficiencies removes specified contaminants and maximizes dirt-holding capacity. The synthetic fibers are smooth, rounded, and provide low resistance to flow. Their consistent shape allows for control of the fiber size and distribution pattern throughout the media mat to create the smoothest, least inhibited fluid flow. Consistency of fiber shape allows the maximum amount of contaminant-catching surface area and specific pore size control. The low resistance of synthetic media to fluid flow makes it ideal for use with synthetic fluids, water glycols, water/oil emulsions, high water content fluids (HWCF), and petroleum-based fluids.

The fibers in cellulose media are actually wood fibers, microscopic in size, irregular in shape and size, and held together by resin. Cellulose often has lower beta ratings, which means there are smaller pores in the media that cause more flow resistance and result in higher pressure drops. While cellulose provides effective filtration for a wide variety of petroleum-based fluids, in certain applications it delivers poorer filtration performance compared to synthetic media.

Water-absorbing media quickly and effectively removes free water from hydraulic systems. Using super-absorbent polymer technology with a high affinity for water absorption, this media alleviates many of the problems associated with water contamination found in petroleum-based fluids.

Wire mesh media consists of stainless steel, epoxy-coated wire mesh, available in multiple grades. Typically, wire-mesh filters are applied to catch very large, harsh particulate that would damage a normal filter. You may also find this media useful as a coarse filter in viscous fluid applications.